Patents by Inventor John A Wheatley

John A Wheatley has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210168269
    Abstract: The disclosure describes an example vehicle assistance system including a light sensor, a pixelated filter array adjacent the light sensor, and a full-field optically-selective element adjacent the pixelated filter array. The optically-selective element is configured to selectively direct an optical component of light incident on the optically-selective element across the pixelated filter array to the light sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2019
    Publication date: June 3, 2021
    Inventors: John A. WHEATLEY, Gilles J.B. BENOIT, John D. LE, Zhisheng YUN, Jonah SHAVER, Susannah C. CLEAR, Timothy J. NEVITT, Kui CHEN-HO, Kenneth L. SMITH, David J.W. AASTUEN
  • Patent number: 11016229
    Abstract: An optical filter including a polarizer and a visible light blocking filter is described. The polarizer is configured to transmit at least 60 percent of light in a first infrared wavelength range that is incident on the polarizer at normal incidence in a first polarization state, to transmit less than 30 percent of light in a second infrared wavelength that is incident on the polarizer at normal incidence in a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state, and to transmit less than 30 percent of light in a third infrared wavelength range that is incident on the polarizer with a 50 degree angle of incidence in the second polarization state. The visible light blocking filter configured to transmit at least 60 percent of light in the first infrared wavelength range at normal incidence in the first polarization state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Gilles J. Benoit, Todd A. Ballen, Kenneth L. Smith, Guanglei Du, Edward J. Kivel, Rolf W. Biernath, Jordan D. Whitney, Daniel J. Schmidt
  • Patent number: 11009637
    Abstract: An optical stack including an oriented polymeric multilayer optical film and a non-birefringent optical filter is described. The oriented polymeric multilayer optical film has a first reflection band with a first band edge and the non-birefringent optical filter has a first blocking band. In some cases, the first blocking band contains the first band edge and the first blocking band provides a reduction in variation of a band edge of an overall blocking band of the optical stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Guanglei Du, Gilles J. Benoit, Rolf W. Biernath, Christopher A. McLaughlin, Sherie A. Kristie
  • Publication number: 20210050673
    Abstract: Radar standing wave dampening systems and components are described. In particular, systems and components including an absorber composite including at least one of ceramic filler, magnetic filler, or conductive filler materials are described. Such components can reduce the intensity of standing waves and may also be combined in systems with one or more gradient permittivity tapes or films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Dipankar Ghosh, Jaewon Kim, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Ronald D. Jesme, Mohsen Salehi, Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20210039669
    Abstract: In some examples, a method of validating operation of a vehicle, includes determining, by the vehicle, a first version of a vehicle operating parameter via a vehicle instrument employed in a first measurement approach; calculating, by the vehicle, a second version of the vehicle operating parameter based on information indicated by two or more pathway articles associated with a vehicle pathway; determining, by the vehicle, if the first version of the vehicle operating parameter is approximately equal to the second version of the vehicle operating parameter; if the first version of the vehicle operating parameter is approximately equal to the second version of the vehicle operating parameter, validating the first measurement approach; and if the first version of the vehicle operating parameter is not approximately equal to the second version of the vehicle operating parameter, performing, by the vehicle, one or more actions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2019
    Publication date: February 11, 2021
    Inventors: Benjamin W. Watson, John A. Wheatley, James B. Snyder, Kenneth L. Smith
  • Patent number: 10913199
    Abstract: A stretcher for processing a film is described. In particular, stretcher receives a film, graps edge portions of the film, conveys the film in a machine direction, and moves the opposing edge portions along diverging; substantially parabolic paths to form a stretched film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: William W. Merrill, Jeffery N. Jackson, Andrew T. Ruff, John A. Wheatley, Dennis L. Krueger
  • Publication number: 20210028538
    Abstract: Gradient permittivity films are described. In particular, gradient permittivity films that include a first continuous matrix of a first component having a first relative permittivity and a second component disposed within the continuous matrix having a second relative permittivity. The first permittivity is greater than the second permittivity for at least one wavelength between 20 GHz and 300 GHz. Such films may be useful in improving the signal to noise ratio for transmitting and receiving units behind a protective cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Ronald D. JESME, Jaewon KIM, Stephen J. ETZKORN, Dipankar GHOSH, Mohsen SALEHI, Guanglei DU, John A. WHEATLEY
  • Publication number: 20210021050
    Abstract: Gradient permittivity films are described. In particular, gradient permittivity films including a plurality of layers each having a thickness where at least one layer is perforated and has a different air volume fraction from another of the plurality of layers by at least 0.05. Such films may be useful in improving the signal to noise ratio for transmitting and receiving units operating between 20 GHz and 300 GHz behind a protective cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Publication date: January 21, 2021
    Inventors: Jaewon Kim, Stephen J. Etzkorn, Ronald D. Jesme, Dipankar Ghosh, Mohsen Salehi, Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20200400865
    Abstract: A light control film, comprises a light input surface and alight output surface opposite the light input surface. Alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions are disposed between the light input surface and the light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30 and the alternating transmissive region and absorptive regions have a relative transmission at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 75%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2018
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel J. SCHMIDT, Caleb T. NELSON, Kevin W. GOTRIK, Raymond J. KENNEY, John A. WHEATLEY, Kenneth A. EPSTEIN, Gary T. BOYD, Corey D. BALTS
  • Publication number: 20200379147
    Abstract: Stray light absorbing films are described. In particular, stray light films including a black substrate, and first and second sets of microstructures are described. The described films can reduce stray light reflections in sensor modules and other optical devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Judith M. Invie, Steven Hin-Chung Kong, John A. Wheatley, Moses M. David
  • Patent number: 10837622
    Abstract: A light guide includes a light input surface, a first major surface orthogonal to the light input surface and a second major surface opposing the first major surface and forming a converging wedge with the first major surface. The second surface includes a plurality of doublet light extraction features closely-packed or separated by a land feature. Each doublet feature includes a first prism feature having a first shape and a second prism feature having a second shape and the second shape is different than the first shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Epstein, John A. Wheatley
  • Publication number: 20200348458
    Abstract: A retroreflective article comprises (a) a retroreflective layer including a structured surface that is opposite a major surface, (b) a pressure sensitive adhesive that contacts at least a portion of the structured surface to form an optically inactive area that does not substantially retroreflect incident light and (c) at least one low refractive index layer forming an optically active area that retroreflects incident light; wherein the optically active area comprises about 25% or less of the structured surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2018
    Publication date: November 5, 2020
    Inventors: David J. LAMB, Guanglei DU, Scotty A. KOPP, Suman K. PATEL, John A. WHEATLEY
  • Publication number: 20200341180
    Abstract: The disclosed light directing article has an optical element and a conformal retarder with predefined thickness that contours with the optical element. In one aspect, the light directing article is a retroreflective article, which further comprises a phase reversing optical reflector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Kui CHEN-HO, Michael A. MCCOY, John A. WHEATLEY, Susannah C. CLEAR, Michelle L. TOY, Alex P. PONGRATZ, Matthew E. SOUSA, Matthew B. JOHNSON, Gilles BENOIT, David J.W. AASTUEN, Guanglei DU, Tien Yi T.H. WHITING, Kevin W. GOTRIK, Christopher A. MERTON, Ying XIA, Olester BENSON, JR., Charles A. SHAKLEE, Travis L. POTTS, Carla S. THOMAS
  • Publication number: 20200341173
    Abstract: A light control film is described comprising alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions disposed between a light input surface and a light output surface. The absorptive regions have an aspect ratio of at least 30. In some embodiments, the alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions have a transmission as measured with a spectrophotometer at a viewing angle of 0 degrees of at least 35, 40, 45, or 50% for a wavelength of the range 320-400 nm (UV) and/or at least 65, 70, 75, or 80% for a wavelength of the range 700-1400 nm (NIR). In another embodiment, the absorptive regions block light at the light input surface and light output surface and the maximum surface area that is blocked is less than 20% of the total alternating transmissive regions and absorptive regions. Also described are various optical communication systems comprising the light control films described herein and methods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Daniel J. Schmidt, Caleb T. Nelson, Kevin W. Gotrik, Raymond J. Kenney, John A. Wheatley, Kenneth A. Epstein, Gary T. Boyd, Corey D. Balts
  • Patent number: 10801699
    Abstract: Optical devices are disclosed. In particular, optical devices including a collimated light source, at switchable diffuser, and at least one light deflecting element are disclosed. The electrically switchable diffuser, in combination with the at least light deflecting element can provide significant changes in the overall distribution of light at the electrically switchable diffuser is switched between two or more states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: John A. Wheatley, Guanglei Du
  • Publication number: 20200292737
    Abstract: Systems including one or both of a light emitter or a light receiver or a detectable object; and an optical filter adjacent one or both of the light emitter or the light receiver, wherein the optical filter includes at least one wavelength transmission selective layer an absorber component, wherein the wavelength transmission selective layer at least partially reduces the transmission of wavelengths from 701 nm to 849 nm incident thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Inventors: Neeraj Sharma, Guanglei Du, John A. Wheatley, Matthew E. Sousa, Jeremy O. Swanson
  • Patent number: 10769402
    Abstract: A non-contact friction ridge capture device is described. The device comprises a device housing, the device housing including an electronics compartment and an illumination shield, with an opening between the electronics compartment and the illumination shield into which a user can insert the user's hand. The device further comprising a camera disposed in the electronics compartment for capturing an image of at least one friction ridge surface on a user's hand. The device further comprises a light source disposed in the electronics compartment, the light source emitting light in the direction of the illumination shield, wherein the peak wavelength of emitted light is in the range of 440 to 570 nanometers (nm). The user's hand is not required to contact the device when the camera captures the image of at least one friction ridge surface on a user's hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: Thales Dis France SA
    Inventors: David J. Badzinski, Robert L. Brott, Alexander Domek, Douglas Dunn, Jonathan D. Grandrud, Robert D. Lorentz, Michael A. Meis, Theresa Meyer, Anthony J. Sabelli, Shannon D. Scott, Blake R. Shamla, Robert W. Shannon, John A. Wheatley, Glenn E. Casner, Brett A. Howell
  • Publication number: 20200264354
    Abstract: Systems including one or both of a light emitter or a light receiver or a detectable object; and an optical filter adjacent one or both of the light emitter or the light receiver, wherein the optical filter includes at least one wavelength transmission selective layer including an adhesive component and an absorber component, wherein the wavelength transmission selective layer at least partially reduces the transmission of wavelengths from 701 nm to 849 nm incident thereon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2018
    Publication date: August 20, 2020
    Inventors: Neeraj Sharma, John A. Wheatley, Albert I. Everaerts, Guanglei Du, William B. Kolb
  • Publication number: 20200257915
    Abstract: Systems, assemblies, and methods for detecting changes in polarization states are described. Example systems may include a light receiving unit including a sensor and a receiving polarizer. The sensor is configured to sense light from a polarized light source deflected through the receiving polarizer by a light directing article. The sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative a received polarization state of light deflected by the light directing articles. Such systems may be coupled to vehicles and may be useful for sensor-detectable signs, indicia, and markings to facilitate automated or assisted vehicular transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2018
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Jonah Shaver, Susannah C. Clear, John A. Wheatley, Kui Chen-Ho
  • Patent number: 10735790
    Abstract: Systems and methods for recommending content to a user are described. A user equipment device may be equipped with a built-in or separately connected image capturing device which may be used to pinpoint the location of the remote control when it is activated, thereby defining the specific location of the remote and the user. The relative location of the user in the room where the television is located may be associated with that particular user and used to automatically log in and access their user profile. This information may be used to enhance the television experience for the user by, e.g., recommending content.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Rovi Guides, Inc.
    Inventor: David John Wheatley